Dilshan to retire from Test cricket

Former Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan has decided to retire from Test cricket after playing 87 matches, scoring 5492 runs and 16 centuries. Dilshan, who will be 37 on Monday, is due to make a formal announcement at a press conference on Thursday, Sri Lanka Cricket spokesman Rajith Fernando told AFP. "He is retiring from Test cricket but will be available to play in one-day matches," Fernando said.

"I have taken this decision to allow Sri Lanka Cricket to groom another youngster in my place. I was to announce my retirement after the Zimbabwe Test series but unfortunately the tour was postponed," the Sri Lankan said on Wednesday.

Dilshan, one of the most explosive batsmen in modern day cricket, began his Test career in November 1999 playing against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo and played his last Test against Bangladesh in March earlier this year in Colombo and scored 57 in his last innings as the hosts won by seven wickets.

However, the opening batsman will continue to play for the Sri Lankan limited overs side and Bangalore in the IPL.